Neem seed oil is also an ingredient in many skin care products. In India most of the neem oil is used in neem soap, but there are also neem shampoos, lotions, creams etc.

Besides that the oil is valued for its huge range of medicinal uses. The seed kernels contain the highest concentration of active substances in the neem plant. Pressing them for oil is one way to get at them, but you can also make various extracts from the seeds.

A warning: the seed oil can be toxic and should not be taken internally!

Many herbalists recommend chewing the leaves, taking capsules of dried leaf, or drinking the bitter tea. The leaves cleanse the blood, help the gastrointestinal system (ulcers!), support the liver, and strengthen the immune system, to name just some of the most popular benefits.

Although the leaves of the neem tree have been used this way for thousands of years in India, I recommend you are careful when taking them internally. Neem is a very powerful herb. It's best to ask a qualified herbalist first, and to not take it internally over long periods.

Neem Bark

The bark of the neem tree is not used as much as the seeds or leaves, for obvious reasons. There is not as much of it, it does not regenerate as quickly, and it is slightly more difficult to use. Because of its dry and hard nature the ingredients are more difficult to extract.

However, in one medicinal field the bark is the recommended plant part to use. That field is dental care. The bark contains a higher concentration of active ingredients than the leaves, and is especially high in ingredients with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action. Neem bark is highly effective when treating gingivitis (gum disease).

Uses Of Other Neem Plant Parts

Here are some uses of the neem tree that receive less attention:

Neem Twigs

Chewing young, supple branches, and then using them as a toothbrush, prevents cavities and gum disease. Indian villagers have used this method for centuries. (Though in modern India neem toothpaste, mouthwashs, and bark powders are the preferred method.)

Neem Cake

Neem cake is a strange name for the pulp that is left after extracting neem seed oil from kernels. It is indeed edible, at least for animals, and is sometimes used as fodder. However, the most common and recommended use is as a soil amendment and fertilizer.

Neem Flowers

The flowers of the neem plant have a lovely, sweet, honey-like smell. It is quite intense, noticeable from a distance, but never overpowering. Bees love neem flowers and neem honey is popular. The flower oil is also used in aromatherapy and has a calming and restorative effect.

Other Interesting Uses Of The Neem Plant

The wood of the neem plant has become an important source of firewood in some regions of the African continent. The neem plant is particularly valuable as a source of firewood because if its rapid growth (it can be harvested within five years), and because it grows so well with very little water in the poorest of soils.

Personally I consider that a very important use of the neem plant. It could have a huge impact as we try to halt the spread of the desert.

All parts of the neem plant are also very beneficial when used as mulch, as a compost ingredient or as a soil amendment. Neem can be used to reclaim marginal soils. It can bring acid soils back to neutral, the deep tap root can break through hard layers, mine the subsoil for nutrients and bring them to the surface. Growing neem trees improves the water holding capacity and nutrient level of soils.

Again, this is a very promising use of the neem plant in my eyes. It could make a huge difference, not only in third world countries, but also on our abused agricultural soils. However, there is not as much money to be made as there is in the natural health industry, so unfortunately you don't hear much about it...

This website does not sell any products. DiscoverNeem.com is intended for informational purposes only. Neither the information nor the products mentioned on DiscoverNeem.com are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. None of the information presented on this website is to be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician or health careprovide for diagnosis and treatment of any condition.

Neem should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive. Neem contains compounds similar to those in aspirin and must never be used to treat children with fevers. It should not be taken by people with known allergies to aspirin and aspirin like substances. Neem oil should not be taken internally.